Online University Aims To Boost Rural Math and Science Teachers
In an effort to increase the number of graduates pursuing science and math teaching careers in rural areas, Western Governors University, an online university, is awarding 150 new scholarships through its new WGU Scholarships for Rural Mathematics and Science Educators program. A portion of a recent $3 million grant from the United States Department of Labor is funding the scholarships.
The scholarship program is focusing specifically on subject areas that are difficult to full in rural schools, particularly mathematics, chemistry, geosciences, physics, biological sciences, and general science. Eligible programs include initial certification and continuing education for teachers who are already certified. The scholarships are being offered on a competitive basis.
Western Governors University is a private, non-profit online university that currently serves more than 10,000 students in every state in the United States. It was founded by 19 state governors and receives support from a number of foundations and corporations. It is, according to WGU, the "only exclusively online teacher education institution to be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education."
Further information about the scholarship program can be found here.